A Washington Redskins’ Loss Could Propel Them to a 3-13 Record

By Greg Bradshaw

Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Fresh off their Week Ten bye, the Washington Redskinsshould be well rested and prepared for their Week Eleven matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Several indicators point towards a Redskins’ victory: they’ll have wide receiver Pierre Garcon back, as well as safety Brandon Meriweather. Plus, the struggling defense won’t have to face quarterback Michael Vick due to a concussion he suffered Week Ten against the Dallas Cowboys.

Perhaps the strongest indicator of a Washington victory focuses on the Eagles’ offensive line. To put it tamely, they stink. Vick was harassed and pummeled all season long by opposing pass rushers, which culminated in his injury against Dallas. Philadelphia rookie quarterback Nick Foles will start against the Redskins. Considering his offensive line’s poor play during the 2012 season, Foles may have to resort to Houdini like magic to escape an ordinary Redskins’ pass rush.

Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

But make no mistake: this game is not an easy win for the Redskins. They simply do not have enough talent on the roster from top to bottom to overlook anyone. Let’s not forget, Washington faced a struggling, one win Carolina Panthers’team Week Nine, and wound up on the short end of a 21-13 home defeat. The final score doesn’t indicate Carolina’s dominance throughout the game in a game Redskins’ head coach Mike Shanahan dubbed a “must win” at the time.

Simply put, if Washington loses Sunday against Philadelphia, there’s no way they can come back from that defeat to win another game in 2012. Another defeat will reflect Washington’s shortcomings as a team: a porous defense, as well as an inability to make the critical play when necessary. After their Week Eleven game with Philadelphia, Washington will face the Cowboys (twice), New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and the Eagles again. Where will the Redskins’ fourth win of 2012 come from in that bunch?

The Redskins’ season, as well as the future of many on the roster, hinges on Sunday against Philadelphia. If Washington can beat the Eagles, they will have some positive momentum heading into their Thanksgiving showdown with the Cowboys. If Foles has a career day against the great Washington defense, the Redskins’ season will be finished, with doubts that they will win another game in 2012.